Former Belmont College teacher sentenced

October 16, 2013

ST. CLAIRSVILLE Dru Edward Huff, 46, 225 Stone Church Road, Wheeling, appeared before Belmont County Common Pleas Judge Frank Fregiato for sentencing on one count of gross sexual imposition, a felony of the fourth degree occurring March 6, 2013.

Fregiato rejected the state's recommendation and gave Huff the maximum sentence of 18 months in the penitentiary. He will also undergo sex offender counseling. He is designated a Tier 1 offender.

Huff was a teacher at Belmont College. He was arrested after a student's allegation that he had sexually assaulted her.

The victim spoke about the long-term psychological damage caused by Huff's crime.

Fregiato noted Huff's prior sex offense record, also with one of his students, demonstrating a similar pattern. He also pointed out the abuse of trust incurred during the crime, demonstrating the need for the maximum sentence.